Katherine Naomi Nakamura

Katherine Naomi Nakamura, known to family and friends as Kathy, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, in La Habra, California, at the age of 79.

Born on July 24, 1946, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Kathy was the daughter of Hiroshi and Chioko Uyehara. In August 1968, she married Ruchi Nakamura, and together they built a life centered on family and raising their two children, Lee and Kim. Kathy was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Ruchi, and by her son, Lee.

Kathy dedicated her career to nursing as a Registered Nurse, spending many years in intensive and critical care. She also served as an Assistant Head Nurse and later specialized as a PICC Line Nurse. Nursing reflected her strong work ethic, calm demeanor, and commitment to caring for others.

Family was always at the center of Kathy's life. She took great pride in raising her children and cherished the time she spent with her family. She enjoyed cooking, trying different foods, traveling, playing cards and slot machines, and watching the Food Network. She appreciated life's simple pleasures and created many lasting memories with those she loved.

Kathy is survived by her daughter, Kim; her daughter-in-law, Mary, wife of her late son, Lee; her grandchildren, Nathan and Aden; her siblings, Wayne, Gail, and Tommy; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

She will be remembered as a dedicated nurse, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Her strength, generosity, kindness, and steady presence will be remembered by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Fairhaven Memorial Park Mortuary in the Waverley Chapel, on what would have been Kathy's 80th birthday.

Kathy lived a life centered on family, hard work, and caring for others. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, resilience, and quiet generosity that will continue through the family and friends who were fortunate to know and love her.